paramedic
1 Americannoun
noun
-
Military. a medic in the paratroops.
-
a doctor who parachutes into remote areas to give medical care.
adjective
noun
-
a person, such as a laboratory technician, who supplements the work of the medical profession
-
a member of an ambulance crew trained in a number of life-saving skills, including infusion and cardiac care
adjective
Etymology
Origin of paramedic1
An Americanism dating back to 1950–55; para- 1 + medic 1
Origin of paramedic2
Explanation
A paramedic is someone trained to assist medical professionals. The workers in an ambulance are paramedics. Just as a paralegal works with the law but isn't a lawyer, a paramedic is involved with medicine while not quite being a nurse or doctor. Rather, paramedics help doctors and nurses: paramedics are assistants. Paramedics are most well-known for working in ambulances. If you have a medical emergency — such as choking or a heart attack — paramedics will be there to help if you call 911. Paramedics save many lives every day.
Vocabulary lists containing paramedic
Red Kayak
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Harbor Me" by Jacqueline Woodson
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Forged by Fire
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Paramedic Charlotte Aisbitt, who arrived in a fast response car in less than five minutes, said the girls had been "incredible".
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
The RCP said it was supporting affected graduates, pointing to other options, including overseas employment opportunities and the Paramedic Foundation Preceptorship programme, which can begin while individuals continue to seek substantive paramedic roles.
From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026
Nine people were injured in the crash, according to Peel Regional Paramedic Services Supervisor Lawrence Saindon.
From Salon • Feb. 17, 2025
Paramedic Eric Jaeger helped rewrite New Hampshire’s protocols and, at a fire station in Hooksett, recently used Jackson’s death as a training scenario after evaluating the case for AP.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 26, 2024
Paramedic crews responded and reached the vehicle, which was found on its side.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2022
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
